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Slightly elevated risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma seen after breast implant surgery

A recent literature review conducted by researchers from the United Kingdom has revealed an association between anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implant surgery.

“Considering the number of women who have breast implants every year, the compiled data show that although very small and still unsubstantiated, there is a risk of developing hematopoietic malignancies, especially [anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)], after breast implants, and increased awareness about this association is needed,” Asha Rupani, MBBS, MD, MSc, and colleagues wrote in their study.

Rupani and colleagues performed a PubMed search for studies citing patients with lymphomas associated with breast implants. They identified 83 cases, of which 65 cases were identified within the past 7 years. Sixty-six patients had an ALCL type that was negative for the protein anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); however, there was no association between ALK-negative ALCL and implant type, according to the abstract.

“Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion during follow up for implant-related tumors in patients who exhibit pain, sudden enlargement, or recurrent effusions,” Rupani and colleagues wrote. – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures